Mobility specification

Country:Belgium

Institution:Stále zastúpenie SR pri EÚ Brusel

City:Brussels

Program:Erasmus+ traineeship

Activity type:Traineeship

Academic year:2025/2026

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Economics and Administration / Department of Economics

Study level abroad:Master

✅Check the boxes

How would you categorize your internship?Economics and Administration

💼How-to: Interning abroad

How did you discover this internship opportunity?External website

External website - which one?https://www.mzv.sk/web/szbrusel/o-nas/staz-na-stalom-zastupeni

Can you describe the role you held during your internship?Trainee in internal market and industry

What specific responsibilities and tasks did you do during your internship?During my traineeship I got to know the structure and functioning of the Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU, as well as the agenda I am working on in the Internal Market and Industry Section. Under the guidance of my team members, I gained knowledge on the topics of European competitiveness, industrial resilience, regulatory simplification, the Customs Union and other aspects of the EU internal market in regular meetings in the Council of the EU. In the EU Council Working Groups, together with the team of the Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU on Internal Market and Industry, we are working intensively on shaping the new European Competitiveness Fund - a key instrument for strengthening the EU's economic position in the world.

Did your tasks align with the pre-defined conditions?yes

Did the internship meet your expectations?yes

Did you apply any theory you learned at university during the internship?yes

If yes, can you provide a specific example?For example, I used insights from microeconomics, macroeconomics and competition economics to help me understand the detailed discussions on specific regulations in the Council.

How well did you manage to communicate in a foreign language?perfectly

Did the institution have any special requirements?Technical knowledge (e.g., specific software skills)
Specific language skills
Level of study

Do you have tips on how to make a great impression on the institution?Choose a relevant section at the Permanent Representation in relation to your studies, to address fewer issues but more in depth at the interview.

How competitive was the selection process? Did you have to go through an application procedure?The competition was high, but studying at MUNI prepared me sufficiently for the selection, course and content of the internship.

Why would you recommend students do an internship?To experience in practice what we discuss theoretically during lectures and seminars at the university.

💰And how to fund it?

What were your average monthly expenses during the internship?30000 CZK/month

Did the institution provide accommodation?no

If not, how did you find it?The permanent dealership recommended me where to look.

Did you have any unexpected expenses during the internship?no

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How difficult was it for you to adjust to life abroad?no big deal

How well did you manage to communicate in English?almost without problems

How does public transport work in the city?I've seen better

And what about transport outside the city?mostly fine

Did you deal with any health issues during your stay?no

🤠Help create the perfect bucket list

What are the must-visit trip destinations?The surrounding towns of Brussels: Bruges, Ostend, Antwerp, etc.

Share your best experience:Work: attendance at the EU leaders' summit, Leisure: trip to the seaside in Ostend

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?no

How did you get to the place?Plane

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?Brussels Charleroi Airport is not in Brussels, but an hour by bus from it. It is more practical to fly to Brussels Zaventem.

Can you pay by card?everywhere

What not to forget when packing?Warm clothes, umbrella

🥳Summary

Whew, what a ride! 😮‍💨 Thanks so much for taking the time to complete our survey and for sharing your unique experience. Just one last thing. 🙏 How would you summarize your trip in one or two sentences?The internship abroad was an excellent opportunity to test the application of theoretical knowledge in practice.